"Wait! Alpha Zander, please, it wasn't like that." Elisha tried to talk her way out of it, but he gave her a look I had never seen him do before. I remained silent as Marcus kept hold of me.
"With all due respect, I think I will be leaving, and she will be coming with me," Marcus said, and his words echoed in my ears. He wanted me to go with him. To leave this place? What sort of life was he going to offer me? A better one than I already had here?
I gulped nervously and remained still, eyes on the ground. I could not risk eye contact with anyone if something else happened to me.
. I could feel the tension in the room as Alpha Zander stared at me, his eyes filled with anger and betrayal. Elisha continued to plead with him, but it was clear that he had decided.
I knew that I had to make a choice, and I had to make it quickly. Stay with Alpha Zander, where I knew my place and the rules, or go with Marcus, where the future was uncertain.
"You want to take our omega? But with all due respect, you're an alpha. Why would you want this girl when you can have one of these beauties and high-rank females?" Luna Maggy glared at me, the disgust evident in her eyes. She flared her nostrils and huffed at the idea.
Marcus turned to face Luna Maggy, his expression calm but firm. "I see potential in her that goes beyond rank and beauty," he replied, his voice steady. "She is strong, resilient, and has a spirit that cannot be easily broken. Those qualities are invaluable to me."
Luna Maggy scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "You are making a mistake, Marcus. She is just an omega, nothing more. You have the pick of the litter; why choose her?"
Marcus smiled softly, his eyes full of conviction. "Because sometimes, it's not about what's on the surface. It's about what lies within. And I see something special in her that I cannot ignore."
With that, Marcus returned to me, offering a reassuring smile before leading me out of the room.
"No, you will not take her. Omega steps back at once. I am your alpha." Alpha Zander's voice rang out, filled with authority and power. The room fell silent as he stood tall, his presence commanding respect.
Marcus turned to face Alpha Zander, his expression neutral but unwavering. "With all due respect, Alpha Zander, I believe everyone has the right to choose their path," Marcus stated calmly. "Her past or her status does not bind her. She deserves the freedom to make her own choices."
Alpha Zander's eyes blazed with anger, his fists clenched at his sides. "She is a valuable member of our pack, a loyal and trusted omega. You have no right to take her from us."
I stood there, caught in their intense confrontation, torn between loyalty to my pack and the desire for freedom and autonomy.
"She is my mate."
Alpha Zander's eyes widened in shock at Marcus's revelation. The tension in the room was palpable, and everyone held their breath, waiting for Zander's response.
Zander clenched his jaw as he processed the information. The concept of a mate was a sacred bond in the werewolf community, a connection deeper than blood ties or pack affiliations. He knew going against a mate's claim was disrespectful and could lead to pack conflicts.
After a moment of contemplation, Alpha Zander's expression softened slightly, his eyes flickering with understanding. "If she is your mate, then you have my blessing," he finally spoke, his tone firm but accepting.
"Your mate?" Elisha shrieked, and I could see the fury on her face when I glanced over at her. I flared my nostrils and wondered how anyone could put up with such an entitled brat as her.
"Yes. She is my mate. Do you have a problem with that?" he growled, and Alpha Zander pulled Elisha out of the way and ordered her to get out of his sight. I was glad he had some sense in his head; after seeing this pack and the treatment I had received, I was far from impressed.
"Marcus, please. Don't leave on such bad terms." Luna Maggy begged, almost falling to her knees and placing her hands together—a look of desperation on her face.
"I do not condone any ill treatment and the fact that she is my mate, I am even more angered to see how she is treated in a pack that is supposed to care. Bea, let's get your stuff now," he said crossly after drawing in a breath.
Alpha Zander smiled despite the anger that I knew was storming up within him. He would not want to make a scene, not in front of so many important faces. This pack had a reputation to maintain; even I knew that.
"Bea?" Marcus repeated my name, bringing me back to reality and causing me to flinch when he moved his arm. "I am not going to hurt you." He exclaimed in surprise. I gulped nervously.
"I will fetch my belongings," I said quietly, but all eyes were on me causing me to feel paralysed to the spot.
"You are free to go." Alpha Zander gave me a nod of acknowledgement. His words echoed in my head and I had to pinch myself in order to know it was really happening.
"Of course she is. Why would she need your blessing?" Marcus demanded to know. We are supposed to respect others in the name of the moon goddess, are we not? So why is this female flinching at my touch?”
Luna Maggy and Alpha Zander hung their heads shamefully, and I could not help but feel glad that they were finally being questioned about their behaviour.
“Lets go now Bea before I announce to the guests the true meaning of Elite.” Marcus glared at Alpha Zander and Luna Maggy.
As Marcus and I made our way towards my room, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I was relieved that I was finally going to leave this pack. I was afraid of the unknown future that awaited me, and I felt gratitude towards Marcus for standing up for me and claiming me as his mate. It was only something that I could have ever dreamt of happening to plain old me.
“Bea, you don't have to be afraid. I am with you now. I will protect you with my life. This pack will no longer control you.”
I nodded silently, my heart racing with a mixture of fear and excitement. Marcus's words offered me a sense of reassurance and hope for a better future. As we reached my room, I quickly gathered my belongings, feeling a sense of freedom and liberation wash over me.
Once I had packed all my belongings, Marcus held out his hand to me, a reassuring smile on his face. "Are you ready to start a new chapter with me, my mate?"
As we made our way towards the exit, the guests turned to stare at us, murmurs of surprise and curiosity filling the air. I could feel the weight of their judgmental gazes on me, but nobody dared to question.
Before we could leave, Luna Maggy approached us, her eyes filled with regret and remorse. "I am truly sorry for how you were treated, Beatrice. I hope you find happiness and peace with Marcus. Please forgive us for our ignorance."
I looked at her, seeing the sincerity in her eyes, and nodded in acceptance. It was time for me to let go of the past and focus on the future that awaited me with Marcus by my side.
With a final nod of gratitude towards Luna Maggy, Marcus and I walked out of the mansion, leaving behind the echoes of a life that no longer belonged to me. The night air felt refreshing against my skin, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the unknown journey ahead.
As we climbed into Marcus's car, he turned to me with a warm smile, his eyes filled with determination and promise. "Are you ready, Bea?"
I met his gaze, feeling a sense of trust and security in his presence. And with a nod and a smile of my own, I replied, "I am ready, Marcus. Let's see where this new adventure takes us."